NRBQ plays at Bearsville Theater on Sunday

There's no "old," as in past tense, as the new "Q" forges a spaceway into the future, bringing the best of both the old and the new New Rhythm And Blues Quartet to the Bearsville Theater, 291Tinker St., Woodstock, on Sunday.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call (845) 679-4406 or visit www.bearsvilletheater.com for more information.

Terry Adams, founder, visionary, still wild man on the keyboards and the single remaining member of the original band, is no stranger to Woodstock.

"Oh, we have recorded so many of our albums at Bearsville over the years," Adams said this week, including the just released CD, "We Travel The Spaceways."

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The band's 2011 CD, "Keep this Love Goin,'" the first since the band reignited, also was recorded in Bearsville, he said.

"But, this is our first time back there since we recorded 'We Travel the Spaceways' last year," he said.

Two members of the legendary band, Steve Ferguson and Tom Ardolino, have died in recent years and Adams said he took a hiatus from performing for an illness of his own.

"I had to keep the spirit open, knowing the right musicians would come to me - and they did," Adams said about Scott Ligon on guitar and vocals, Conrad Choucroun on drums, and Casey McDonough on bass & vocals.

"This is the best band I've ever had," he said.

The band, which is known for its onstage levity and spontaneity, has not dropped that aspect of their performances.

"'RBQ' has renewed its artistic license," Adams said faux seriously. "It's been totally renewed," he said.

"There is nothing worn out here. We're so hot and happy I must say it surprises me," Adams said, adding, "Sometimes, I can't get over it and I'm afraid to perform the next night!"

Asked if Sunday's audience would hear some of the old, some of the new "Q", Adams said "I don't know until I walk out on that stage. It's always what we feel is needed at the moment. Not even festival songs are planned. That just doesn't work for the band.

"Every place we play is different, every audience is totally different. I've got so I can read audiences, alert and tuned in. And, the music just happens."

Adams said there is nothing nostalgic about the "Q."

"The band can play the entire NRBQ catalog, all the way back to 1967, when we formed," Adams said. "But, we make the music apply to today," he said, noting it's like standing around an old car.

"You can just stand there and admire it. Or, you can jump in and drive!" he said.

"Anything I hear, I hear in a different way," Adams said about the band's songs.

"Remember Aunt Bea from the Andy Griffin TV show? Aunt Bea sang a song that I made into an entirely different song for the band. Anything can inspire a song," he said.

Adams said for every musician, music is a priority.

"It's not like I have a choice. I have to do what I have to do and music is the only thing," Adams said.

He said, growing up in Louisville, Ky., his father insisted he finish high school and obtain his diploma.

"I can assure you," Adams said, pausing for effect, "that in my long career as a musician, no one has ever asked for a copy of my diploma!"

Adams said he sees that commitment in the new band members.

"I feel this band has a real gift of beauty that's unique. It's there for anyone who needs to find it," he said.